“No More Hiding Places For Terrorists” — Tinubu Declares Security Emergency, Seeks State Police Law Review

Amid the worsening security situation in the country, President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday declared a security emergency and directed the army and the police to recruit additional personnel.
The President also called on the National Assembly to begin the process of reviewing the law to allow states that are willing to establish state police to do so.
In a statement personally signed by him, President Tinubu directed the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately deploy all trained forest guards to flush out terrorists and bandits hiding in Nigeria’s forests.
He further stated that the agency has been authorised to recruit more personnel to secure the forests, warning that there will be no hiding place for criminals.
Tinubu said: “Today, in view of the emerging security situation, I have decided to declare a nationwide security emergency and order additional recruitment into the Armed Forces.
“By this declaration, the police and the army are authorised to recruit more personnel. The police will recruit an additional 20,000 officers, bringing the total to 50,000.
“Although I had previously approved the nationwide upgrade of police training facilities, the police authorities are, by this statement, authorised to use various National Youth Service Corps camps as training depots.”
He directed that police officers withdrawn from Very Important Personalities (VIPs) guard duties should undergo crash training to debrief them and redeploy them to security-challenged areas for more effective service delivery.
He continued: “The DSS also has my authority to immediately deploy all the forest guards already trained to flush out terrorists and bandits lurking in our forests. The agency also has my directive to recruit more men to man the forests. There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil.
“My fellow Nigerians, this is a national emergency, and we are responding by deploying more boots on the ground, especially in security-challenged areas. The times require all hands on deck. As Nigerians, we should all get involved in securing our nation.”
The President commended security agencies for working together to secure the release of the 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi State and the 38 worshippers in Kwara State.
“We will continue to sustain the efforts to rescue the remaining students of Catholic School in Niger State and other Nigerians still being held hostage,” he added.
Tinubu praised the leadership and rank and file of the armed forces, acknowledging their courage and sacrifice.
“This is a challenging moment for our nation and for the military institution itself. I charge you to remain resolute, to restore peace across all theatres of operation, and to uphold the highest standards of discipline and integrity.
“There must be no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence. The Nigerian people are counting on you, and this administration will provide the support you need to succeed.”
He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to supporting state governments that have set up security outfits to protect their people from terrorists.
“I call on the National Assembly to begin reviewing our laws to allow states that require state police to establish them,” he said.
The President advised state governments to reconsider establishing boarding schools in remote areas without adequate security. He also urged mosques and churches to work closely with the police and other security agencies, especially in vulnerable locations.
He called on herder associations to end open grazing and surrender illegal weapons, noting that ranching is now the sustainable path for livestock farming and national harmony.
According to him: “Our administration created the Livestock Ministry to address the persistent clashes between herders and farmers. I call on all herder associations to take advantage of it, end open grazing, and surrender illegal weapons.
“Ranching is now the path forward for sustainable livestock farming and national harmony. The Federal Government, in collaboration with the states, will work with you to solve this problem once and for all.”
The President sympathised with families who lost loved ones in recent attacks on soft targets in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara States.
“I also pay tribute to our brave soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba,” he said.
He warned: “Those who want to test our resolve should never mistake our restraint for weakness. This administration has the courage and determination to keep the country safe and ensure that our citizens live in peace.”
Tinubu urged citizens not to give in to fear or despair.
“Let us stand together in purpose and strength to defend our freedom and values,” he said. “Our administration will continue to guarantee peaceful co-existence and preserve our union.
“I urge all Nigerians to remain calm and vigilant. Report suspicious activities. Cooperate with security agencies. We are in this fight together, and together we shall win. May God continue to bless Nigeria and keep our armed forces safe.”
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